Greater Chennai Corporation’s first pet crematorium, at Kannammapet in T Nagar, is set to open this week, nearly a year after its inauguration at the end of 2024. It will initially operate free of charge; construction was complete, but administrative delays over operating expenses kept it closed.

Chennai has three designated pet burial grounds: Kannammapet, Mylapore and Moolakothalam. Kannammapet is the most frequently used, and limited space has led to pets being buried over existing graves or remains removed to make room. The crematorium will let owners collect ashes and perform last rites, and reduce infection risks for treated dogs near the site’s animal birth control centre.

Blue Cross has been the city’s only other crematorium, charging around ₹2,500 as a donation. The Corporation will consider another facility after reviewing usage and operations. Animal activist Antony Rubin said similar infrastructure is needed in Manali and Thiruvottiyur.